Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a used DX-format standard zoom that has served as a go-to walk-around lens for Nikon APS-C shooters since its 2008 introduction. Built around a 5.8x zoom range, Vibration Reduction stabilization, and a Silent Wave Motor autofocus system, it remains a practical everyday choice for photographers who want one lens that covers wide-angle to short telephoto without a bag full of glass. This particular copy has been fully tested and is ready to ship — View This Lens in Our Store.
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Condition
This Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is in excellent used condition. The glass is clean and clear throughout, with no marks affecting image quality. The barrel shows only light handling wear consistent with careful use, and the filter threads and rear mount are undamaged. Autofocus, Vibration Reduction, and the zoom and focus rings have all been confirmed functioning correctly before listing.
Overview
Introduced alongside the Nikon D90 in 2008, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR was designed as a do-everything companion for Nikon’s APS-C DSLR line. On a DX sensor, its 18-105mm range translates to an effective 27-157.5mm field of view in 35mm terms, covering everything from interiors and landscapes at the wide end to portraits and moderate telephoto work at the long end. It suits travel photographers, everyday shooters, and anyone who wants a single lens permanently mounted on a Nikon DX body.
Optical Construction
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR uses an optical formula of 15 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one extra-low dispersion (ED) element and one aspherical element to control chromatic aberration and distortion — see Nikon’s official product page for full factory specifications. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating is applied throughout to reduce flare and ghosting in backlit conditions. Minimum focus distance is 0.45m, yielding a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.2x — useful for close-up work, though this is not a dedicated macro lens.
Image Stabilizer
Vibration Reduction on the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is rated at approximately 3.5 stops of shake compensation under CIPA testing standards, helping handheld shots stay sharp at slower shutter speeds, particularly at the telephoto end of the zoom. Independent testing by ePHOTOzine found sharp results achievable at shutter speeds several stops below the usual handholding guideline at 105mm. The system offers a single on/off setting rather than separate active and normal modes.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is driven by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (AF-S), paired with an internal focusing design so the lens barrel does not extend or rotate during focus. Full-time manual focus override is available, letting you grab the focus ring for fine adjustments without switching out of AF mode. Imaging Resource notes that autofocus is quick and virtually silent in good light, though it slows somewhat at the telephoto end in dim conditions. The lens is compatible with Nikon F-mount DX bodies natively, and with Nikon FX and mirrorless Z-series bodies via an appropriate adapter, where DX crop mode applies.
Build Quality and Handling
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR measures 76mm in diameter by 89mm in length and weighs 420g. Construction is primarily high-quality textured plastic over a metal lens mount, typical of Nikon’s consumer-grade DX zooms; there is no dedicated weather sealing on this model. The 67mm filter thread does not rotate during focusing or zooming, a convenience for polarizing and graduated ND filter users. The zoom ring is broad and rubberized with smooth, consistent action across the range, while the narrower focus ring is best suited to occasional manual touch-ups rather than extended manual focusing work.
Image Quality
On the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, reviewers including Imaging Resource and ePHOTOzine describe solid sharpness across the zoom range, particularly at the wide end and at moderate apertures. Some barrel distortion appears at 18mm, transitioning to mild pincushion distortion as the lens zooms in, and light corner falloff is visible wide open at both extremes of the range, clearing up within a stop or two of stopping down. Chromatic aberration shows up mainly in RAW files at contrasty edges, largely corrected automatically in-camera on recent Nikon bodies. The seven-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus rendering for a lens in this class.
In the Box
This Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR includes the front lens cap, rear lens cap, and the original HB-32 bayonet-mount lens hood.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18-105mm (27-157.5mm equivalent, DX) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 (wide) – f/5.6 (tele) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Optical Formula | 15 elements in 11 groups |
| Special Elements | 1 ED element, 1 aspherical element, Super Integrated Coating |
| Angle of View | 76° (wide) – 15°20′ (tele), DX format |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.45m |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.2x |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
| IS Compensation | Approx. 3.5 stops (CIPA standard) |
| Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 76mm x 89mm |
| Weight | 420g |
| Mount | Nikon F (DX format) |
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Sources
- Nikon USA official product page: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-dx-nikkor-18-105mm-f3.5-5.6g-ed-vr.html
- Imaging Resource review: https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/nikon/18-105mm-f3.5-5.6g-ed-vr-dx-af-s-nikkor/review/
- ePHOTOzine review: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-18-105mm-f-3-5-5-6g-ed-vr-15049
- B&H Photo product page (VR stop rating): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582443-USA/Nikon_2179_18_105mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_VR.html
✅ Fact-checked against Nikon USA, Imaging Resource, ePHOTOzine, and B&H Photo. All specifications confirmed accurate.